If you have become a Master Gardener through the Iowa State University Extension Service's program, you are invited to meet with us each month! We are meeting on the "third Thursday," at the Jefferson County Extension Office, 2606 West Burlington Ave., Fairfield, Iowa. This blog will include information about both community service and educational opportunities as they become available.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Did someone say ‘Heuchera?’ Do I say ‘gesundheit?’

'Tiramasu'

By KATHY TOLLENAERE, Master Gardener | Jun 21, 2012

The genus Heuchera (pronounced
hoo-ker-a) of the family Saxifragacea contains at least 50 native
species. These are an herbaceous perennial native to North America
commonly called coral bells or alumroot. Plants you find in nurseries
will most predictably be modern cultivars. Depending upon the individual
variety, coral bells will thrive in zones 3 through 9.
Since the mid-1990s an “explosion” of sorts has occurred with regard
to the development of new hybrid varieties. You can find hybrids with
varying leaf size, shape, and color as well as flower stems varying in
heights (up to 2.5 inches) and blossom color of white, pink, salmon,
coral, or red bell-shaped flowers. You might enjoy a trip to an area
nursery as well as a search on-line to view the variety of hybrids
available. Most plants would be best suited to either the front of the
garden or just behind it.

Generally, coral bells do best in light shade or dappled shade, at
least during the hottest part of the day. Planting in full sun runs the
risk that the foliage may discolor by scorching or die back during very
hot spells in the summer. Most of my coral bells receive direct
sunlight for up to four hours in the afternoon with dappled shade at
other times. I have placed other plants in conditions receiving only
dappled shade with very little direct sunlight. As a contrast, however,
I’ve given “Green Spice” an especially large challenge, as once the
deciduous oak tree leaves appear, it never sees sunlight. It doesn’t
flourish as it would under better conditions, but it has continued to do
fairly well during the past eight years, and it offers a nice contrast
in foliage to the surrounding plants.

For the most part, Heuchera desire well-drained, neutral to rich
soil. They do, however, tolerate many soil types. Plants in rich soil
will be quite different looking – taller, and lusher, than they would in
leaner soil. Under ideal and/or good conditions, these plants have few
disease or pest problems. A problem I have experienced is “frost heave,”
resulting in a plant that has been forced out of the soil when spring
arrives. My answer to that problem seems to have been resolved by either
of two solutions: 1) Adding additional soil and leaf mulch in the
autumn, or 2) Adding additional soil and replanting in early spring.
Remove the old, unattractive leaves in the spring to encourage new
growth. Deadheading (removing) spent flowers and their stalks encourages
re-blooming over the course of the summer. Re-blooming is always a
pleasant bonus!

Heuchera are truly quite complimentary plants. I do recommend your
research and purchase. They don’t take much room! For “richness” in
appearance, a gardening approach might be to plant several plants
together. I would also suggest not only planting several of one variety,
but also to plant different varieties together as a contrast in both
leaf and flower. If planted as an “edger,” that is, a row of them at the
front edge of your flowerbed, they are quite effective.
Heuchera is not the sound of a sneeze, but I’d accept your “Gesundheit!” any day!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Explore 5 diverse Linn County Master Gardener gardens that
will inspire you with ideas you can apply to your own garden or
landscape or simply provide you the opportunity to tour beautiful
private gardens. Gardens will include ornamental grasses, conifers,
vegetables, perennials, containers, rain gardens, raised beds & will
range from a facility garden to an acreage garden. You will also see
ideas for landscaping even the most difficult of terrains. Master
Gardeners will be at all of the gardens to answer
your horticulture-related questions.

Public Gardens of Iowa

2012 calendar features 12 public gardens in Iowa, as well as a list of others around the state. Website locations are available. The calendar itself contains gardening tips and ideas. Purchase your copy at the Jefferson County Extension Office.

ISU Extension Service - Master Gardener Activities - Check It Out!

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About Me

We are a number of gardeners with a variety of interests and expertise, each of whom has achieved (or are working on)their Master Gardener status through study with the Iowa State Extension Service, Ames, Iowa.